Both Koch and Calagione are shameless self-promoters (no doubt a highly important skill for successful entrepreneurs). Koch has done some stunts over the years that I would be ashamed of, and I thought Calagione was often insufferable on that reality TV show he was part of.

However, you have to give them due respect for their craft brewing accomplishments, and I generally agree with their thoughts about success versus beer snobbery. As I mentioned, I think Dogfish Head's beers are superior to many of the Sam Adams' offerings, which probably gives Calagione an edge in terms of my opinion of the two of them.

During the big hop shortage a few years back, Koch released a bunch of stock he knew he wouldn't use, helping out a number of smaller breweries he could have viewed merely as competitors. Also, Boston Beer has always been extremely generous to homebrew clubs throughout the area. He can be boorish at times, but his heart is definitely in the right place.

Koch sponsors a program where entrepreneurs can apply to receive mentoring and some seed money. So far all of the recipients have been food, beverage and hospitality businesses (not all strictly beer-related) in the Northeast.